News Briefs.

KPMG has admitted to a serious breach of ethics after staff leaked confidential information about Optus while bidding for a contract with the Australian telco. The leak occurred during a competitive tender process for a major contract. An inquiry has…

The National Association of Probation Officers (Napo) has warned that excessive workloads are putting the public at risk in England and Wales. Probation officers are struggling to manage their caseloads, with many handling over 50 cases at a time. This…

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, has won the Makerfield byelection, securing a significant majority. Burnham's victory sets him up for a possible Labour leadership bid in the future. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of the previous Labour…

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched an inquiry into the use of cameras in mental health patients' bedrooms. The Oxevision system, used by approximately 40% of NHS mental health trusts, is at the center of the investigation. This…

Labour has won the Makerfield byelection, securing a significant victory in the early hours of the morning. The party's candidate emerged victorious after a closely contested vote. The win is seen as a major boost for Labour, which has been…

Native oysters are being reintroduced to the Solent in a large-scale conservation effort. The Solent, a strait separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England, was once home to thriving oyster beds. Overfishing and disease led to the decline of…

Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection with a significant majority, securing 62% of the vote. The Greater Manchester mayor defeated candidates from Reform UK and Restore Britain, with the former receiving 17% and the latter 12%. Burnham's victory is…

Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has received a surprisingly warm reception in some media outlets. Some commentators have even described her as "a politician ready to rule". This positive coverage is notable given One Nation's history of…

China's growing standup comedy scene is providing an outlet for women to express frustrations about sexism and social issues. Female comedians are using humor to address topics often considered sensitive, such as gender inequality and reproductive rights. This development comes…

The Scottish Conservatives have secured a significant victory in Aberdeen South, unseating the Scottish National Party. Douglas Lumsden, the newly elected Conservative MP, attributed the win to the city's strong support for the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen…

Australia has pledged an additional $100m to support Ukraine's efforts against Russia. This commitment brings Australia's total contribution to Ukraine to over $500m since the conflict began. The funding will be used to provide military equipment, humanitarian aid, and economic…

Labour mayor Andy Burnham is assembling a team of top economists to advise him, fueling speculation about a potential leadership run. Burnham has appointed a former Bank of England economist to a key advisory role, alongside other prominent experts. This…

The Trump administration is facing criticism for its handling of algae growth in the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall in Washington. Despite witness reports of a murky green pool, the Interior Department claims the water is "crystal clear". The…

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab. The punishment was handed down after Ahmadi sang a patriotic song during a livestream. The song was reportedly broadcast on social media, where it gained…